Fab Lab Design Brief
Vinyl Sticker Tutorial
Mr. Brandon Prentice
Intermediate Unit 1
K – 2nd Grade
Summary
This lesson introduces the software and setups needed to use a vinyl cutter. Students will learn
how to create a small adhesive vinyl sticker to introduce the design concept needed. The
sample project included introduces step-by-step on how to draw a design and the process
needed to create more unique graphics in the future. Machine setups are also noted for the
instructor to learn how the vinyl cutter operates and sustains itself for more projects. Each
student project can take anywhere between 10secs-5mins to cut out, depending on the size of
the assignment. Estimated Time: Three (1 hour) Days
Standards
Standards for Technological Literacy:
1. STL2.K-2.E – People plan in order to get things done.
2. STL3.K-2.A – The study of technology uses many of the same ideas and skills as other
subjects.
3. STL8.K-2.B - Design is a creative process.
4. STL9.K-2.B - Expressing ideas to others verbally and through sketches and models is an
important part of the design process.
5. STL10.K-2.A - Asking questions and making observations helps a person to figure out how
things work.
6. STL11.K-2.C - Investigate how things are made and how they can be improved.
Objectives
1) Students will understand the basic features of design software and how it can be easily used
to their needs.
2) Students will apply the ability to manipulate geometry to produce a 2D graphic.
3) Students will create vinyl adhesives to then peel and apply to a surface.
Name: ________________________________________ Date: ___________
How to Make a Vinyl Sticker
Learn to make your own sticker with our easy to use vinyl cutter! By using the selected
software, students can make their own graphic in minutes. Follow the instructions and
handouts below to introduce graphic design in a fun and creative way!
Days 1&2: Learning the Software
It’s always good to start the first day introducing the software that is going to be
used. To use this machine, we recommend you either use CorelDRAW,
Inkscape, or if the school district has it, Adobe Illustrator. This tutorial will be
focused on Inkscape, which is a free program that can easily be practiced on
when you download it from their site: [Link].
Start by having every student draw out a keychain design. This is an easy way to show all of the
basic features that are in the handouts (Text tool, basic shapes, selection tool, etc.). An example
size could be 2” x 0.75” to teach students about sizing objects. Once students understand the
basics, the rest of the time can be spent completing the handout. *The document should be
setup by an instructor to be 5” wide by 3” tall before the student gets on.
Day 3: Cutting out the Stickers and Peeling
*After the handout has been completed
The Fab Lab Manager or trained instructor will
then load the vinyl cutter and begin to set up all of
the files from a USB to cut them all out at once.
Peeling the Objects:
Tools needed: Scissors, pressure plates,
tweezers (all provided).
Students peel away backing and for this project, the lettering as well to throw away.
Remove white backing from the vinyl (circle shape) and stick it to the desired surface.
*Here is a video showing the entire process of setting up the vinyl cutter:
[Link]
Sticker Design
Step 1: Draw a circle using this tool Step 2: Type your first name inside the
circle using this tool
Step 3: Straighten an center everything
Step 4: Make everything have an outline
(stroke) with NO fill
Step 5: You’re Done! Now you can draw another
one however you like! Make sure to save your
drawing.
Vinyl Sticker Rubric
Name: ________________________________________ Date: ___________
Students are to use the following rubric to target expectations and achievement
to complete the vinyl sticker(s).
Points 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 Score
The student did
Time was used The student kept The student was
Required not use their
well to create somewhat busy a little distracted
Elements/ time well when
multiple vinyl with at least one throughout the
Participation making the
adhesives. 2D graphic. lesson.
project(s).
The student’s The student's The student's
The student's
graphic was graphic was graphic was
Creativity graphic was
designed very designed below designed very
designed typical.
well. average. poorly.
The appearance The appearance
The vinyl is mostly The vinyl is not
Appearance of the vinyl is of the vinyl is
attractive and well thought out
(Peeling) exceptionally messy and
neat. or organized.
attractive unpractical.
Total Score: /24